Many airlines nowadays spice up your travel by offering the best discounted deals to passengers. Learning the tricks in getting the cheap flights plus doing some research in advance will make you a savvy traveler.
Start familiarizing yourself with some Philippine carriers. Zest Airways formerly Asian Spirit is a low-cost airline. However, the destinations are very limited. Most major cities are covered in its domestic flights but for international flights, there's only China, Taiwan and South Korea. Cebu Pacific Air leads the domestic arena. International flights include East and Southeast Asia countries. Philippine Airlines (PAL) is a major airline. It flies to 12 countries across US, Canada, Asia, Middle East, Australia and Guam.
If I were to list these airlines starting from the cheapest ride, that would be Zest Airways, Cebu Pacific then PAL. Cheap fares are offered in low-cost airlines because they remove many traditional services to its passengers. Major airlines compete by increasing the number of routes not offered in low-cost airlines. So, know what kind of airline that is available. You need to distinguish if it is a low-cost or a major airline.
If you want to fly to Manila and find the cheapest ride, you need to take note of the following tricks. First, you need to make use the best possible resource that you have. Use the internet. Most, if not all airlines, have online booking facilities. Use your time to register to some sites that alerts you for low fare availability, comparative prices for every airline, when it hits your price range or when desired routes are for sale.
Time is also great factor to be considered. Know when you want to leave and arrive. Usually in winter, it's cheap to fly except of course during Christmas, Thanksgiving and most especially New Year. Consider too, departing late at night and arriving early in the day. Mid-weekday can also save you some dollars. Sometimes, tickets bought at the last minute are also the cheapest.
Being a senior citizen or a student has some perks too. Discounts are given to them.
Most people wanted to travel on direct flights. But interconnecting flights are cheaper. The only drawback is the hassle from hopping from one airline to another. You can pass the time by having a tour in that country. Like if Singapore is your stopover and you have 5 hours before the next flight to Manila, you can have a free 2-hour Singapore tour.
When using airline sites immediately, I want you to know that most airlines offer discounted price if you've booked online or if you've bought paperless ticket. Sometimes, they even offer half the price discounts.
Now that I've given you the tricks, be a smart traveler. The cheapest ride to Manila is right before your eyes. Patience and resourcefulness is the key.
Ms. Pinky is a mom of 3 school children. She is a Systems Engineer, a Technology Researcher and an Independent Medical Billing and Coding Consultant. She and her family is well-traveled all over the world!
